Sacred Rest - Increase Productivity and Balance Rest

Rita Mercer Author

Discover the power of sacred rest and how slowing down can renew your mind, body, and spirit—because true strength begins with stillness.

The Power of Sacred Rest

We live in a world where doing more is celebrated—more hours worked, more tasks completed, more goals achieved. But what if the real key to productivity, creativity, and emotional well-being isn't found in the hustle, but in the pause?

Welcome to this week's blog inspired by an episode of The Daring Well Podcast. In this post, we're diving deep into the power of sacred rest—a restorative and intentional practice that recharges the body, renews the mind, and nourishes the soul. If you're constantly in go-mode, feeling torn between ambition and burnout, this is your permission slip to simply be.

What Is Sacred Rest?

Sacred rest is more than just sleeping or taking a nap. It’s an intentional, mindful pause to honor the moment, your body, and your spiritual and emotional needs. It’s the kind of rest that isn’t a reaction to burnout—but a proactive gift to yourself.

“Rest is the foundation of all of everything. It’s where our true strength blows. And it’s also, I dare say, it’s where strength grows.”

The Myth of Constant Productivity

We often believe that pushing ourselves leads to better results. But in reality, constant effort without rest drains our creativity, weakens our focus, and leads to burnout. The to-do list never ends. There will always be another email, another errand, another meeting.

Here’s what rest can do instead:

• Boost your creative thinking
• Enhance your emotional clarity
• Reduce chronic stress and anxiety
• Improve your physical and mental health
• Strengthen your ability to be fully present in the moment

“We’re not designed to be on all the time. That’s not how we were created.”

The Labels We Use to Justify Rest

Today, trends like the “soft girl era” have created both freedom and confusion. While it gives some permission to slow down, for others, it feels like just another label to box ourselves in.

“We don’t need a label to give ourselves permission to rest. You don’t need to be in a soft girl era. You just need to be human.”

Instead of subscribing to trends or identities to validate your need for a break, consider this truth: You are worthy of rest, simply because you exist.

Sacred Rest Is a Mindset Shift

At its core, sacred rest is a mental shift—a decision to stop glorifying exhaustion and start honoring balance. This shift requires us to be deeply mindful, to listen to our bodies, and to understand that rest is productive.

    How to embrace sacred rest:

• Begin your day with gratitude
• Take 2-3 micro breaks throughout your workday
• Turn off notifications during meals or rest time
• Create boundaries with your schedule
• Allow yourself to say no without guilt

Mindfulness: The Sacred Pause

Mindfulness and sacred rest go hand-in-hand. It’s about being present, being still, and being aware. Life moves fast, and we’re often caught up in the cycle of waiting for “what’s next.”

“We say, ‘I can’t wait until the baby walks… I can’t wait until I get promoted… I can’t wait until Friday.’ And in all that waiting, we miss now.”

Break the cycle. Practice mindfulness by:

• Noticing your breath
• Observing your thoughts without judgment
• Taking slow, intentional walks
• Journaling about what you’re grateful for
• Simply doing nothing for a few moments

Sacred Rest Is for All of Us

Whether you’re spiritual, religious, or neither, sacred rest honors the human experience. It honors your body, your limitations, and your seasons of life. You don’t need permission from anyone else to rest. You need only your own compassion.

“We are spiritual beings in human bodies… And our bodies get tired.”

Listen to Your Future Self

Imagine your 80-year-old self looking back on your current life. Would she applaud you for burning out to meet deadlines? Or would she wish you’d stopped to savor the quiet moments, the laughter, the sunrise?

“Your 80-year-old self would tell you to rest. She would tell you to cherish your loved ones, and show up for yourself.”

Don’t wait until you're exhausted to honor your limits. Don’t wait until your body gives you warning signs. Start now.

Practical Ways to Integrate Sacred Rest Into Your Day

Rest doesn’t require a full day off or a retreat (though those are lovely too). Small, intentional pauses throughout your day can make a big difference.

Simple Practices to Invite Sacred Rest:

• Micro breaks: Step away from your screen for 5 minutes each hour.
• Quiet mornings: Spend the first 10 minutes of your day in stillness before checking your phone.
• Body check-ins: Notice tension, fatigue, or hunger cues throughout the day.
• Digital detox: Unplug from social media during certain hours.
• Breathwork: Practice 4-7-8 breathing or box breathing to calm your nervous system.

A Personal Story: A Lesson in Balance

Years ago, I was a single mom in college, juggling class, work, and parenting. I told one of my professors that I simply didn’t have enough time. She kindly reminded me: Mother Teresa had the same 24 hours in a day.

That statement stuck with me. It wasn’t about doing more with those 24 hours—it was about doing the right things, and knowing when to pause.

“You and Mother Teresa have the same 24 hours. What matters is how you choose to use them.”

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Often, by the time we feel truly exhausted, we’ve already passed the point where rest could have prevented burnout. Your body whispers before it screams. If you’re ignoring the whispers—headaches, irritability, fatigue—you’ll soon face louder signals.

“You keep saying ‘one more thing’… and you delay your joy, your rest, your presence.”

Let’s change that. Let’s stop waiting until we break down. Let’s build rest into our rhythm.

Final Thoughts: Rest as Resistance

In a world obsessed with achievement, rest is a radical act of self-love. It says, “I matter, even when I’m not producing.” It’s not laziness—it’s wisdom.

“Rest is the foundation. It’s where true strength blows. And where true strength grows.”

So, my dear, this is your invitation.

• Rest without guilt.
• Pause without apology.
• Live with intention and presence.

Want to Go Deeper? Join the Sacred Rest Retreat

If this message spoke to your soul, I’d love to invite you to the Sacred Rest Retreat. It's a time to step away from the noise, reset your nervous system, and reconnect with your body, mind, and spirit.

I'm looking schedule more wellness retreats to create space for healing and mental refreshing.  Would you be open to attending one in-person, travel destination, or virtual? Let me know, you can email me directly at info@daringwell.com

Learn more and register at daringwell.com/retreat.

Remember: You are worthy of rest. You are worthy of peace. You are worthy of living fully and freely.

Are you ready to pause? 💛

Are you looking for more inspiration for wellness tips & coping skills?

Check out The Daring Well Podcast:

• YouTube
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts

Categories: : Balance, Forest Bathing, Rest, Self Care